Preamble and Principles Section:

The ICW also addressed
the preamble and the proposed section on principles for the
Cairo Document, as described in the Secretariat's draft
conceptual framework. Several delegations expressed their
concern that the preamble should be drafted in a way that
captivates the public's interest. Many delegations called for
the preamble to address additional issues beyond those
referenced in the Secretariat's draft. For example, the US
suggested three areas for further consideration: past
experiences with population policies and programmes; how the
issues have changed during the last 20 years; and reference to
key actions necessary to meet the needs of people and to
stabilize population growth.

Several delegations suggested that the preamble should refer
to other international agreements on women, human rights and
trade and that it should include references to relevant
demographic data. There was general agreement that the
preamble should also address the resources and actions
necessary to attain population objectives in the context of
sustained economic growth and sustainable development, with
reference to human rights and developing countries.

The discussion on the principles section of the conceptual
framework reflected consensus on the need for the principles
to form the basis for the new plan of action and to provide
the guiding philosophy for global and regional action into the
21st century. Most delegations stressed that the principles
should build as much as possible on other relevant
international agreements. Pakistan and Iran called for an
additional principle regarding the right to development. The
EC favored a group of principles that highlight the importance
of human rights in the population context. The UK expressed
its concerns with the centrality of the individual's rights
and endorsed the view of Dr. Sadik that the theme of human
development and population is about increasing choices and
opportunities. The US called for special attention to
indigenous peoples, marginalized individuals and peoples with
disabilities. The US also stated that clear reference must be
made to the importance of ensuring access to safe abortion.

Discussion also focussed on the EC proposal that identifies
four areas for organizing the general principles: Human Rights
and Population; Human Development and Population; Sustainable
Development and Population; and Partnerships in Population.
While the US endorsed this proposal, the G-77 felt that the
structure did not provide a balanced and integrated approach
to the theme of population.